This K-Drama Ended on a High—Now It’s Getting an International Remake!

Two beloved K-dramas are expanding their reach to Japanese audiences this year.

On April 23, Korean content studio SLL announced that the critically acclaimed JTBC crime thriller 'Beyond Evil' is being remade into a Japanese drama. The series is scheduled to premiere this July on Japanese satellite broadcaster WOWOW.

According to SLL, WOWOW approached the company directly to acquire remake rights, showing strong interest in the story’s emotional and psychological depth. Japanese actors Yasuda Ken and Mizukami Koushi are set to lead the adaptation.

Originally aired in 2021, Beyond Evil follows two complex detectives—played by Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo—as they delve into a chilling string of murders echoing a cold case from 20 years prior. The series unravels a psychological cat-and-mouse game that asks: “Who is the monster? Is it you, me, or us?”

Instead of focusing solely on the identity of the killer, Beyond Evil earned praise for exploring the emotional aftermath of violence, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the raw, human complexities behind each character. Despite modest viewership ratings averaging around 4%, it received high critical acclaim, winning Best Drama and Best Actor at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Director Shim Na-yeon described the series as “a thriller deeply infused with Korean emotional sensibilities.” Shin Ha-kyun, who portrayed the morally ambiguous Lee Dong-sik, said the role challenged him to show both external strength and internal vulnerability.

Meanwhile, another fan-favorite K-drama, SBS’s romantic comedy 'Suspicious Partner', is also making its way to Japanese TV. Beginning April 29, it will air on major terrestrial broadcasters MBS and TBS.

First released in 2017, Suspicious Partner stars Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun as a prosecutor and a quirky defense attorney entangled in a mysterious case—and with each other.

The Japanese remake will star Yagi Yusei from the popular J-pop group FANTASTICS, alongside Saito Kyoko, formerly of idol group Hinatazaka46.

The show will be available not only in Japan but across Asia via global streaming platform Disney+, highlighting the continued demand for Korean storytelling in the region.

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